Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences, Wine News

Filling the Void: Orlando’s wine community seeks connection and cash flow through virtual events

“A wine bar is a social place,” said Matt Coltrin, owner of The Parkview in Winter Park. “Literally by definition, we’re a place to gather and drink wine.”

For the past month, COVID-19 has made it impossible for people to gather at his wine bar on Park Avenue, so on March 27, he stepped outside his comfort zone and hosted The Parkview’s first virtual happy hour via Facebook Live, with Wine Club Manager Holly Frost.

“I’m still pretty uncomfortable doing it, but … I miss tasting wine with my neighbors,” he said. “I’m dying for human interaction.”

Plus, he needs to sell wine. When local and state restrictions removed the social component from his business, he had to find new ways to get customers in the door – or at least to the curb.

“The Parkview has never really been known for retail,” he said. “These tastings have been really beneficial, since all we have right now is retail.”

Continue reading “Filling the Void: Orlando’s wine community seeks connection and cash flow through virtual events” →

Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences

Napa to Germany, Burgundy to New Zealand – A Whirlwind Wine Week in Orlando

What a smorgasbord of events our local wine establishments have in store for you this week, Central Florida! You can tour the world through tastings, get an education through wine classes, and so much more. Read on for the highlights.

ORLANDO’S WEEK IN WINE

Continue reading “Napa to Germany, Burgundy to New Zealand – A Whirlwind Wine Week in Orlando” →

Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences

Sardinian Wine, Donut Pairings, and Geeky Sonoma Wines Headline an Eclectic Orlando Wine Week

Orlando winelovers, get ready for a blockbuster of a week in wine events! In addition to the ones in the headline, there are tastings of viognier and Spanish wine, a harvest festival, and much more. Check the Calendar Page for the full list, and read on for a few highlights.

ORLANDO’S WEEK IN WINE

Continue reading “Sardinian Wine, Donut Pairings, and Geeky Sonoma Wines Headline an Eclectic Orlando Wine Week” →

Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences

Next Week’s Orlando WineStorm

Sir Dorian continues to keep us guessing as we stock up on water and consider what pairs best with beef jerky and peanut butter. As of this writing, it looks like the Orlando area may be spared the brunt of the storm, but it’s always best to plan for the worst while we’re hoping for the best.

In that spirit of tempered optimism, and with the disclaimer that all of these events are subject to change based on our capricious spinning friend, I give you …

ORLANDO’S WEEK IN WINE

Continue reading “Next Week’s Orlando WineStorm” →

Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences, Wine News, Winemakers, Wineries

Orlando Wine Blog to Host Geeky Gary Farrell Tasting

My first encounter with Sonoma’s Gary Farrell Winery happened on my front porch in Orlando. My cousin had brought me back a bottle from her visit to the winery, and as we drank it together over cheese and laughter, it changed the way I thought about California chardonnay. Elegant and balanced rather than overwhelmed by oak and butter, this was a wine I could get behind.

Since then, I’ve visited the winery several times and have grown to love the equally elegant pinot noirs that, like the chardonnays, reflect the land on which they’re grown.

I’ve also been thrilled to discover winemaker Theresa Heredia’s “Inspiration Series.” These experimental wines (single clones, concrete aging, skin contact, etc.) are made in extremely limited quantities and are rarely available outside the winery. Thanks to a special connection between Gary Farrell and Orlando, I’m thrilled to be able to offer my readers and followers the chance to taste some of these wines – and other Gary Farrell gems – right here in Central Florida. And it’s just a few weeks away.

Continue reading “Orlando Wine Blog to Host Geeky Gary Farrell Tasting” →

Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences

Rosé wars, Greek wines, and Three Pairing Dinners Headline Upcoming Orlando Wine Events

Next week, you could help a local restaurant choose rosés for its by-the-glass list, learn all about wines made from Greek grapes that are hard to pronounce but easy to enjoy, and take your pick of several wine pairing dinners, as Orlando’s wine calendar kicks into gear.

Read on for the highlights of …

ORLANDO’S WEEK IN WINE

Continue reading “Rosé wars, Greek wines, and Three Pairing Dinners Headline Upcoming Orlando Wine Events” →

Judith Smelser Tastings, Wine Experiences

Burgundy, Italy, and Washington State Headline Orlando’s Week in Wine

The dog days of summer march on in Central Florida, although at least we’re not in Michigan where it’s even hotter!

The heat is no reason not to get out and enjoy some cool wine events, and there are a few gems coming up this week. Check out the details of …

ORLANDO’S WEEK IN WINE

Continue reading “Burgundy, Italy, and Washington State Headline Orlando’s Week in Wine” →